About 1 in 5 people surveyed responded that they had used CBD in the past year.
The survey, conducted by the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research at the University of Chicago, shows that cannabis users are more likely to say they use CBD, CBG and other cannabis-derived compounds. Also that people who live in a state where marijuana is illegal are more likely to use Delta-8 THC, a mildly intoxicating relative of Delta-9 THC, which is the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
More studies are necessary
“Although there are many surveys that show this increase, “We don’t have a lot of good data about the effects of these substances, both harmful and beneficial,” said Angela Bryan, a professor at the University of Colorado-Boulder., who has studied the implications of the legalization of cannabis for public health for more than ten years. Bryan was not involved in the JAMA study.
CBD and similar compounds have become extremely popular since the 2018 Farm Bill legalized cannabis production, and can be found in lotions, tinctures, candies, vaporizers, and more. While there is a lack of government regulation for the products, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a medication containing CBD in 2018 to help treat two rare seizure disorders.
Risk of injury
Surveys show that people use CBD and other hemp compounds to treat everything from anxiety and sleep problems to pain. But experts say there are not enough clinical studies on these compounds. The FDA warned that CBD can cause liver damage and interact poorly with certain medications.
Delta-8 THC is especially concerning, due to its adverse side effects and the way it is chemically manufactured.
Several states, including Colorado, ban or regulate Delta-8 THC, although it is sold in many states due to a loophole in federal law.
“The implication of the paper, and I think it’s accurate, is that if you don’t have access to legal Delta-9, then you’re going to look for Delta-8,” Bryan said. “But we know even less about Delta-8 than about Delta-9.”
Source: With information from AP
